McFadden, Jones Raise Money for Scholarships, Boys and Girls Clubs
Posted on 11/15/2007
Nearly everyone with an interest in the Razorbacks or the University of Arkansas either saw or heard about Arkansas running backs Darren McFadden and Felix Jones being dressed as Fred Flintstone and Barney Rubble on Halloween. However, few may know that the football standouts’ actions that day last month will help out students on two levels.
Donning the costumes was part of an effort to raise funds for the Boys and Girls Clubs in the two players’ hometowns – Little Rock for McFadden and Tulsa for Jones. Fans voted online for one of three choices of costumes for the duo – the Bedrock characters, Sonny and Cher or the Blues Brothers. Bids are being taken this week at http://www.hogwired.com/, also where the voting took place, to auction off the costumes with the proceeds to benefit the boys and girls clubs.
When Sharon Hunt heard that McFadden was on his way to class decked out in his costume, she ran to get a camera. McFadden and Jones are kinesiology majors in the K-12 teaching physical education concentration. Hunt, head of the Department of Health Science, Kinesiology, Recreation and Dance, has McFadden in class.
In addition to taking photographs, Hunt asked the two to autograph a Razorback football helmet that Janet Forbess, an instructor in the department, obtained from the team. The next day, department faculty attended the annual convention of the Arkansas Association of Health Physical Education, Recreation and Dance in Eureka Springs, where they put the football helmet up for sale. A silent auction at the convention brought in $1,400 to fund college scholarships through the state association.
“That money will help some deserving students with their career goals,” Hunt said. “Darren McFadden and Felix Jones, in addition to being tremendous athletes, have shown a great willingness to help others and to give back to the community. We are proud to have these students represent the College of Education and Health Professions and the University of Arkansas.”
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